Odd message in a bag of rocks will link you to malware, sheriff warns

At first glance, a bag of rocks with a weird, photocopied message inside seems harmless. But Hancock County Sheriff's Department is warning that it's much more dangerous than it seems. (Photo source: Hancock Co. Sheriff's Dept.) (Source: Photo Hancock Co. Sheriff's Dept.)

DIAMONDHEAD, MS (WLOX) - At first glance, a bag of rocks with a weird, photocopied message inside seems harmless. But Hancock County Sheriff's Department is warning that it's much more dangerous than it seems.

Diamondhead residents began calling the sheriff’s office this week to complain about a person in an older model, white van leaving the small bags of rocks in front of homes. The bags contain a piece of paper with a website listed, which people instinctively go to in order to figure out the source.

Investigators say that by visiting that website, people are unknowingly opening their devices to malware, which could allow a third party to steal sensitive information from their computer.

Investigators are hoping to spread the warning so that no one visits this site on any computer device. If you have already visited the site, you’re asked to contact Investigator Reid with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at (228) 466-6900.

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At first glance, a bag of rocks with a weird, photocopied message inside seems harmless. But Hancock County Sheriff's Department is warning that it's much more dangerous than it seems. (Photo source: Hancock Co. Sheriff's Dept.) (Source: Photo Hancock Co. Sheriff's Dept.)

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